Sitter Feature on Maurice Belle
Buckhead Pet Pals has been Atlanta’s premier pet sitting service for over 26 years. During that time, we have built a community of dedicated pet lovers who share our passion for exceptional animal care. Our sitters turn their love for animals into a fulfilling career. They provide in-home care, ensuring each pet feels safe, happy, and loved in their familiar environment. They tailor walks and playtime to pets’ needs, creating lasting bonds with many of the Atlanta area’s animal companions. Today, we’re sharing a sitter feature, highlighting Maurice Belle – a talented professional musician with a heart for pets.
A Knack for Music
Maurice Belle completed his undergraduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music and earned a graduate degree from Juilliard. Both schools are known for educating some of the best classical and jazz musicians of the 20th century and beyond, training and mentoring their talented pool of students under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty. Among other greats, Maurice studied under Tim Cobb, principal bassist of the Metropolitan Opera, the late Homer Mensch of the NBC Orchestra, and Ralph Jones, principal bassist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Maurice plays the double bass, sometimes called the contrabass, which is the largest of the violin family of instruments. He is currently the principal bassist with subs with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Opera Orchestra and Ballet, Alabama Symphony, and various other orchestras in the Southeast.
A Passion for Pets
Maurice had a golden retriever named Jojo growing up. Jojo came into his life when Maurice was in junior high and was part of his family through grad school. Losing his childhood dog left a void, and Maurice remembers feeling sentimental whenever he saw dogs around town – that is, until he started working with them!
Maurice started his professional pet care journey twelve years ago in New York City. He spent his last three years living in New York walking dogs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. When he decided to move back to his home town of Atlanta, Maurice’s NYC clients provided outstanding references.
He loves all dogs but is partial to larger breeds – German Shepherds and Pitties are among his favorites. His music travel and work schedule don’t allow him to have a dog of his own but he hopes to adopt a rescue once his schedule is more settled.
For now, working with Buckhead Pet Pals allows him to enjoy quality time with furry companions doing midday walks, vacation visits, and overnights. He enjoy giving dogs the attention they deserve while their families are out of town or at work. He looks forward to autumn in Atlanta when he says the weather is perfect for dog walks, but is content to be out in the elements with his buddies. No matter where his adventures take him, Maurice describes himself as the guy who always greets dogs that cross his path – knowing when to give them space and when to go in for pets after 12+ years experience working with them.
Living the Good Life
Maurice often hears that he’s “living the good life” because his professional endeavors revolve around his passion for music and pets. He plays and travels with exceptional orchestras when focusing on music. And, he enjoys the outdoors and the company of dogs when he’s working with pets.
In addition, Maurice blends his two talents regularly. Some of Maurice’s human clients have gone to see him perform at local venues. And, he often takes his bass to overnight pet sits and plays for his canine clients. Some dogs don’t know what to think of it at first, he says, but lots of them lay down right next to him when he’s practicing. Maurice jokes that he’s still looking for a dog to howl along with him but hasn’t found one yet!
In addition to music and pet care, Maurice is a runner. He is currently training for his fourth marathon in October when he’ll be participating in the Chicago Marathon.
And, as if that weren’t enough, Maurice is also interested in photography, a talent he leverages when caring for pets. His clients love his photos so much, he has been encouraged to do a coffee table book from his pet portraits. Not long ago, Maurice made a calendar for a client that featured their beloved Doberman; a dog Maurice had a profound connection to. The dog’s mom was so touched, Maurice is constantly thinking of ways to surprise his clients by turning his photographs into thoughtful, timeless gifts.
Celebrating 9 Years
Maurice recently celebrated 9 years as part of the Buckhead Pet Pals family. We are thankful to him for taking great care of our pet clients. We are lucky to have you working with us, Maurice!
At Buckhead Pet Pals, our pet sitters and dog walkers are passionate about pets. We offer flexible scheduling, competitive pay, and the incredible reward of enriching the lives of Atlanta’s pets. We are always looking for experienced and passionate pet sitters and dog walkers to join our growing family in the Buckhead area. If you love pets just as much as we do, learn more here.
Existing clients, please request services here. New clients, learn more about our onboarding process and scheduling software/app here. We welcome your questions and comments via phone at 404-303-0312 or email at office@buckheadpetpals.com.
We love Maurice and so do our pets! He walked (sat with) our Boxer, Rosie, when she was end of life. He sent us a beautiful photo montage after she passed away. He has since walked our two new boxers and they, of course, love him. He has the right amount of gentleness and firmness to win over our more cautious dog. He is an incredible musician who has shared his music with us. We were able to see him perform with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We are very thankful for him too.
Patty & Rusty, Maurice is a wonderful and caring dog walker. I know Rosie was one of his favorites and as you know, he and I have a love for boxers. His photography skills are amazing and the montage was so thoughtful. Thank you for sharing your pups with Maurice and Buckhead Pet Pals
What a wonderful read! Nothing compares to a locally owned, operted and passionate pet care busness! Buckhear Pet Pals is simply the best!! Thank you for all you do!!
We have been caring for dogs and cats in Atlanta for 26 years and are truly grateful for wonderful pet sitters like Maurice! Thank you for your kind words and for supporting Buckhead Pet Pals. We are dedicated to providing the best care possible for your beloved pets!