Jason Tartick, known for his appearance on the reality series *The Bachelorette*, is reportedly dating Kathryn Hurley, the founder and executive director of Wags & Walks Nashville. The couple’s relationship blossomed after Tartick adopted a dog named Teddy from Hurley’s nonprofit rescue organization earlier this year.
The 37-year-old Tartick met 33-year-old Hurley when he brought Teddy into his life, marking a significant moment for both. In March, Tartick shared on Instagram a heartfelt message expressing gratitude for the rescue, stating, “Not sure who rescued who, but we got each other! Thank you @wagsandwalksnashville.”
A Shared Passion for Animal Welfare
Hurley commented on the adoption, emphasizing the mission of Wags & Walks. She told *People*, “We are thrilled to have helped Jason find his forever pup! At Wags & Walks, we believe every rescue dog has a perfect match, and seeing them find that connection makes our work so rewarding.”
While the exact timeline of Tartick and Hurley’s relationship remains unclear, they were recently seen together at the opening of Craig’s in Nashville on November 12, 2024. A photograph shared on social media by hospitality expert Dante Deiana captured the couple appearing close and comfortable.
Prior to this relationship, Hurley amicably ended her marriage to musician Rajiv Dhall in April, with court records indicating that their divorce was finalized after nearly five years. Tartick, who has been open about his approach to relationships, previously stated in a July interview that any future partner must share his passion for dogs.
Impact of Adopting Teddy
Tartick discussed how adopting Teddy from Wags & Walks Nashville had a profound impact on his life and dating outlook. He remarked, “I think my next girlfriend’s gotta love dogs. [She] has to be a fan of Teddy and the idea of rescuing. That’s so important.” He described his first encounter with Teddy as love at first sight and recounted the dog’s challenging past, stating that Teddy was at an overcrowded shelter where he faced the threat of euthanasia.
“He was abused by his past owner, and then he was in a shelter, and the shelter was an under-resourced shelter and overcrowded, which most are in the South,” Tartick explained. “Wags & Walks had rescued him from the shelter the day before I went to volunteer. When I saw him, I was like, ‘That’s my boy right there.’”
Since gaining fame as a contestant on *The Bachelorette* in 2018, Tartick has experienced his share of high-profile relationships, including an engagement to Kaitlyn Bristowe from 2021 to 2023 and a brief relationship with social media influencer Kat Stickler in 2024.
As Tartick and Hurley navigate their new relationship, their shared commitment to animal welfare continues to be a significant aspect of their lives. With a growing bond formed over their mutual love for rescue dogs, the couple exemplifies the transformative power of adopting pets.