Liz, I'm so sorry you had to go through this horrible experience. Like everybody else said, it's a good thing that Smokey and the kitty are safe.
I vote with Karen and Phred: forget about the gun. Get an alarm installed instead and it will make you feel safer. I don't know how much the monthly charge is in your area. I have one and it's under $30.00 a month. If nothing else, just having the decal in your doors will be a useful. Robbers don't want to risk the sirens going on if they open a door.
As for Smokey, he could join Carina in the "I'm not a Watch Dog Club." Carina has barked three times in 11 years, and that was because her food wasn't ready fast enough. I'm sure that if any stranger came in the house she'll bring him one of her pull toys.
Please know that we are all thinking of you and hope that you can get over this incident very soon.
Alicia