70s Novelty Substitute for Cat or Dog

This page is the CodyCross answer for the clue below from African grasslands, Group 1542, Puzzle 5 (Rock Monitor Lizard).

Question is: 70s Novelty Substitute for Cat or Dog

and the answer is: PETROCK

Word Meaning:

PET ROCK — A rock one keeps and cares for as if it were a pet, often purchased as a novelty item and jokingly treated as having needs like those of a living animal.

Definitions from Wiktionary.