Ken Jennings' Unexpected Spirit Animal

Ken Jennings recently shared a surprising revelation: his spirit animal is Sheldon, a ceramic Dalmatian mascot from the 1980s Wheel of Fortune. Jennings posted a photo on Instagram featuring the dog, which was valued at $154.

Sheldon served as the official mascot for Wheel of Fortune, especially popular when contestants used their winnings to "shop" for prizes. He was first selected in 1987 by contestant Lillian, who won $7,900 in prizes that year. Sheldon quickly became an unofficial mascot, chosen by numerous contestants over time.

Even former host Pat Sajak lightheartedly remarked on the show's trajectory after Lillian's win, joking that things went "all downhill after the dog." Today, Sheldon is a preserved exhibit, featured in a Wheel of Fortune studio tour, allowing fans to see the iconic game show figure.