Jason Tartick has a new woman in his life, and their story started with a rescue dog who changed everything. The former Bachelorette star is dating Kathryn Hurley, founder of Wags and Walks Nashville, after the two crossed paths earlier this year during an adoption visit. A source confirmed the romance to Us Weekly, marking Tartick’s most public relationship since his split from Kat Stickler in 2024.
How Jason and Kathryn First Met
According to Us Weekly, Tartick first met Hurley when he adopted his golden retriever mix, Teddy, through Wags and Walks Nashville, the nonprofit rescue she launched in 2019. What began as a heartfelt mission to adopt a dog quickly turned into something much more meaningful for both of them.
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Back in March, Tartick shared a video on Instagram introducing Teddy to the world. “Not sure who rescued who, but we got each other,” he wrote in the caption, expressing gratitude toward the organization that brought Teddy into his life. The heartfelt message resonated instantly with fans who knew he had been vocal about wanting a dog for years.
Kathryn’s Reaction to Jason Adopting Teddy
Hurley also expressed excitement when Jason was adopted from her rescue. In a statement to People, she said she was “thrilled to have helped Jason find his forever pup,” adding that his decision to adopt helped raise awareness for rescue animals. She explained that seeing perfect matches like Jason and Teddy is exactly why she founded the organization.
While neither Jason nor Kathryn has publicly confirmed the timeline of their romance, fans began speculating after the pair were spotted looking cozy at the opening of Craig’s Nashville on November 12. The photo, shared by hospitality expert Dante Deiana on X, immediately fueled dating rumors.
Kathryn Recently Finalized Her Divorce
Us Weekly also confirmed that Kathryn split amicably from her ex-husband, musician Rajiv Dhall, in April. Court documents show their divorce was finalized recently after nearly five years of marriage. Sources indicate that the split was peaceful, and Kathryn has since fully moved on with her life and work, which includes leading one of Tennessee’s most respected rescue organizations.
With both Jason and Kathryn coming out of past relationships, friends say their connection feels natural, easy and rooted in a shared passion for animals. It was clear from the outset that Teddy played a significant role in bringing them together.
Jason Says Teddy Changed Everything
In a July interview with Us Weekly, Jason admitted that adopting Teddy shifted how he viewed dating. He said any future partner “has to be a fan of Teddy and the idea of rescuing” because adopting from Wags and Walks Nashville had been such a life-changing experience.
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He also described Teddy’s difficult past, revealing the dog had been abused, placed in an overcrowded shelter and was nearing euthanasia before Hurley’s team rescued him. “When I saw him, I was like, ‘That’s my boy right there,’” Jason shared. His emotional connection to Teddy made fans curious whether the dog might lead him to the right person.
Dating in 2025 Has Been “Wild” for Jason
The host of the “Trading Secrets” podcast has been open about keeping his love life private following his high-profile breakup from Kaitlyn Bristowe, whom he dated from 2019 to 2023. In 2024, he had a six-month relationship with influencer Kat Stickler, but has remained mostly quiet about personal matters since then.
In July, when asked about his dating life, he said, “Dating in 2025 has been a wild and interesting ride,” but he did not reveal whether someone special was in the picture. Fans now have their answer.
Fans React to Jason and Kathryn’s New Romance
After the Craigs’ Nashville sighting, social media lit up with support for the new couple. Many followers said they “called it” months ago when Jason adopted Teddy and was seen interacting frequently with Wags and Walks on social platforms.
Others praised Kathryn for her dedication to rescuing dogs and joked that Jason “fell for the founder, not just the dog.” Their shared passion for animal rescue has made them an instant fan favorite pairing among Bachelor Nation followers.
Why This Relationship Feels Different
Friends close to Jason say Kathryn’s grounded personality, her work in nonprofit rescue and her compassion have made this relationship feel more stable and meaningful than past romances. There is also a sense that the connection developed organically, rather than under the pressures of reality TV fame.
Sources also say Teddy has bonded with Kathryn, something Jason joked would be a “non-negotiable” trait for any future partner. With the three spending more time together, friends believe this match has real staying power.
Jason’s Bachelor Journey And What Comes Next
Jason first entered the public eye on Becca Kufrin’s season of The Bachelorette in 2018. He went on to build a career as a podcast host, entrepreneur and media personality. His fans have watched him navigate high-profile breakups, career growth and now a heartfelt new chapter centered around rescue work and a budding romance.
As for what comes next, insiders say Jason and Kathryn are enjoying getting to know each other, taking things slowly and putting Teddy at the heart of their growing relationship. Given how naturally their story began, many fans are hoping this “puppy love” turns into something long-term.