Gary Dahl was an American advertising executive best known for creating the popular novelty item called the Pet Rock in the 1970s. He came up with the idea as a humorous response to the complexities of pet ownership, marketing the rocks in cardboard boxes with air holes and straw. The Pet Rock became a cultural phenomenon, selling millions of units and making Dahl a wealthy man. Born on December 18, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, Dahl worked in advertising before launching his famous product. He later moved on to other ventures but remained associated with the Pet Rock throughout his life. Gary Dahl passed away on March 23, 2021.