It all started with a wagging tail and a hopeful heart. Jason Tartick, the charming Bachelor Nation star, had always dreamed of a partner who adored dogs just as much as he did—someone who embodied compassion, rescue missions, and those warm, fuzzy moments that make life feel complete. In March 2025, while scrolling through options at Wags & Walks Nashville, Jason’s eyes lit up at Teddy, a golden retriever puppy with boundless energy and soulful eyes. Little did he know, Theodore—that’s the name they chose for their forever companion—was about to play matchmaker in the most adorable way. Jason had just adopted Teddy, signing those papers with a smile that could melt hearts, and shared the joyful clip on Instagram: “Not sure who rescued who, but we got each other!” He thought back to his previous golden retrievers with ex-fiancée Kaitlyn Bristowe, whose August 2023 split had left him reflecting on what mattered most in love. Now, entering September 2025, after relocating to New York City with his fluffy sidekick, Jason was starting fresh. He often joked in interviews, like his exclusive with Us Weekly that July, that his dream girl “gotta love dogs”—and Teddy, and the whole idea of rescue. It was a simple criterion, but one that hinted at the depth of connection he craved: a love that was playful, loyal, and life-changing. Kathryn Hurley, the passionate founder and executive director of Wags & Walks Nashville since 2019, had built her life around those same values. She believed every rescue dog deserved a perfect match, and she poured her heart into making it happen. When Jason adopted Teddy, she issued a statement to People, her voice filled with genuine excitement: “We’re 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. Jason’s decision to adopt not only changes his dog’s life forever but also helps raise awareness about the importance of giving rescue dogs a second chance.” There was no direct contact between them at the time—nothing more than a warm nod to her organization from afar. But that seed was planted, as if the universe was whispering that their paths, marked by fur and fate, were destined to intertwine. Jason’s move to the Big Apple felt like a new chapter, yet Nashville lingered in his thoughts, perhaps pulling him back toward something—or someone—unexpectedly comforting and real.
As spring blossomed into April 2025, life threw some curveballs for Kathryn. After nearly five years of marriage, she amicably parted ways with her musician husband, Rajiv Dhall, marking the end of a chapter that had been full of shared harmonies but perhaps lacked the true duet she now sought. It was a difficult split, but one handled with grace and mutual respect, and by later that year, their divorce was finalized. Kathryn threw herself into her work at Wags & Walks Nashville, rescuing dogs and matching them with loving homes, channeling her emotions into helping those who couldn’t speak for themselves. She admired people like Jason from afar—his visibility on The Bachelor and his openness in interviews resonated with her. He had spoken so vulnerably about love post-Kaitlyn, emphasizing not just dog-loving partners, but those who championed rescue causes. Kathryn, ever the optimistic healer, saw him as someone who got it—the importance of second chances, whether for pets or people. Meanwhile, Jason was navigating his NYC life with Teddy bounding by his side, attending events and reflecting on his ideal match. The connection point was still dormant, but the groundwork was laid: two people shaped by experiences in love and loss, bonded invisibly through a shared passion for animals and authenticity. It wasn’t a whirlwind romance yet, but a quiet build-up, where hearts softened in solitude before they could collide. Kathryn’s days were filled with paw prints and paperwork, her evenings possibly dreaming of a partner who could waltz into her world and make it brighter, just like Jason’s criteria for that dream girl who loved dogs as fiercely as he did.
By September 2025, Jason had found his groove in New York City, but Nashville kept calling. The city he had lived in for years still held memories, and perhaps a subtle pull toward unfinished stories. He posted about his move on September 23, sharing snaps of Teddy exploring the urban jungle, turning a simple relocation into a heartfelt announcement of new beginnings. Back in Nashville, Kathryn continued her mission, unaware that her world was about to expand beyond the shelter walls. The months ticked by, and November 2025 brought a shift—subtle at first, like the leaves changing color outside the Craig’s restaurant in downtown Nashville. On November 11, Jason and Kathryn were spotted getting cozy at the opening event for the new eatery, captured in a photo shared by hospitality insider Dante Deiana on X. They looked natural, laughing over drinks or shared plates, their body language speaking volumes in that unspoken way first sparks do. It was the kind of moment that felt inevitable, as if Teddy’s adoption had set a chain reaction in motion. Us Weekly sources exclusively confirmed they were officially dating just days later, turning whispers into sweet confirmation. Jason, with his easy charm, and Kathryn, with her unwavering kindness, seemed to fit like puzzle pieces—one rescuing hearts while the other built homes for four-legged friends. This wasn’t a tabloid fling; it was rooted in shared values, from dog rescues to life-affirming second chances. As December approached, their relationship blossomed quietly, away from the cameras, building trust and joy in private moments that hinted at deeper bonds.
December 2025 was a month of milestones that sealed their paw-some partnership. On December 12, Jason publicly celebrated Kathryn’s birthday with an Instagram post that melted internet hearts: “From the dogs you save every day to the people whose lives you change, you make everything around you more beautiful. Happy Birthday Kathryn!” It wasn’t over-the-top; it was genuine, highlighting her impact on animals and humans alike, and showing how Jason saw her—a woman who turned compassion into action. Kathryn replied with a series of photos from their time together, her caption simple and pure: “So happy here 🤍.” To outsiders, it painted a picture of two people falling into sync, finding solace in each other’s company amid the holiday rush. Their New Year’s Eve was even more romantic, ringing in 2026 with sparks flying. Kathryn shared a video clip of them kissing on a car tailgate, captioning it, “Can’t wait to do 2026 with you @jason_tartick 💘,” her excitement palpable through the screen. Jason chimed in the comments, “The best ending to 2025, so excited for 2026 ❤️,” and posted his own glimpse of midnight magic at a Nashville party, their lips meeting in celebration. It was the stuff of fairy tales—playful, tender, and anchored in mutual adoration. No grand gestures, just authentic joy shared with followers who could feel the warmth. Jason, ever the enthusiast, must have loved how Kathryn embraced life with the same energy he brought to football games and dog walks. Kathryn, in turn, found in Jason a partner who valued her work and her heart, reminding her that love could be as reliable as a loyal retriever.
January 2026 kicked off with adventure, proving their chemistry wasn’t just for quiet nights. The couple embarked on a road trip to New York City, a nod to Jason’s new home, where they soaked up the city’s vibe through social media snippets of cozy evenings and morning strolls with Teddy, perhaps. Their first red carpet appearance together came on January 13 at the Netflix premiere of The Rip, a high-profile event where they posed arm-in-arm, radiating that fresh-love glow. Jason, the Bachelorette alum, looked dashing in his suit, while Kathryn’s elegance complemented her animal-rescue roots. Less than a week later, they jetted to Miami for the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, cheering as the Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes 27-21. Jason, a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan, was still licking his wounds from their playoff loss the day before but embraced the diversion: “Taking a break from the NFL. Go Hoosiers,” he posted with enthusiasm. Their travel showed a couple unafraid to seize moments—whether glamorous premieres or gridiron excitement. On January 23, they partnered with Tommy John for their Valentine’s Day campaign, posing in relaxed, intimate setups that played up their dynamic as the ultimate duo: one saving the world one dog at a time, the other bringing humor and heart. It was a subtle celebration of their bond, blending their worlds seamlessly. Kathryn’s post-Valentine’s energy matched Jason’s outgoing spirit, creating a narrative of love that grew stronger with each shared experience, from city escapes to sports cheers, all while keeping Teddy at the center of their adventures.
February 2026 sealed their whirlwind chapter with a crown jewel: attending Super Bowl LX together at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The game, pitting powerhouse teams against each other, mirrored the excitement in their relationship—a blend of strategy, teamwork, and electric moments. Jason, ever the optimist, captioned photos of them at the event: “Manifesting a Bills/Lion Super Bowl in 2027! So excited to be here!” with Kathryn by his side, smiling through the chaos of tailgating and touchdowns. It was more than a date; it was a testament to how far they’d come since that March adoption. Teddy, now a key character in their story, symbolized the rescue theme that united them, teaching lessons in loyalty and second chances. As they navigated the crowds and celebrations, their connection felt unbreakable—Jason’s charisma and Kathryn’s warmth creating a harmony that echoed off the stadium walls. Friends and fans online swooned at their journey: from dog-driven introductions to major sporting events, proving love could start with a simple wag. By now, their romance wasn’t just tabloid fodder; it was a heartwarming tale of two people who found each other through shared passions, turning chance encounters into cherished memories. As the confetti fell on Super Bowl Sunday, it seemed clear this was just the beginning of many paw-sitively perfect chapters ahead.
