What a Sweetie!
My cat Julie has the same problem with our dog Buddy that you have with Smokey. Julie keeps trying to be his companion, and they do chase each other and get along, but Buddy is not willing to let his guard down and show Miss Julie his sensitive side.
Miss Julie loves to be in the kitchen when I cook too! She has a little table she eats her food on, (because Buddy will eat her food if he can get to it). She will sit on her perch and talk to me all the while. Buddy hangs out too, but he is just hoping I drop something...you know how those dogs are!

Congrats on being COTD...wishing you many belly rubs today and everyday!