Dahl used the money he made from the Pet Rock to open a bar in Los Gatos, California. He later sold Sand Breeding Kits and Red China Dirt although neither was very successful. His agency Gary Dahl Creative Services specialized in electronic advertising. He wrote and produced many radio and television commercials. In 2007 he authored the book Advertising For Dummies from the For Dummies series. Gary Dahl passed away on March 23, 2015 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the age of 78.