In 1975, advertising executive Gary Dahl invented the Pet Rock. Each one was a smooth stone from Rosarito Beach, Mexico, packaged in a cardboard box with air holes and a 32-page instruction manual. He sold 1.5 million of them at $3.95 each and became a millionaire within six months.
He Sold Rocks as Pets. He Made a Million Dollars.
In April 1975, Gary Dahl was sitting in a bar in Los Gatos, California, listening to his friends complain about their pets. Dogs needed walking. Cats scratched furniture. Fish tanks were a hassle. Dahl, an advertising executive, joked that the perfect pet was a rock. No feeding, no walking, no vet bills.
He died in 2015 at age 78. His obituary led with the Pet Rock.
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Verified Fact
Well-documented pop culture phenomenon. Covered by Newsweek, featured on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (1975). 1.5 million units and $3.95 price confirmed by multiple sources. Dahl's obituary in NY Times (2015) and Washington Post confirmed key details. Stones sourced from Rosarito Beach, Mexico.
The New York Times
