There is NOTHING wrong with being prepared - and a shotgun SHOULD be in every home defense kit. It makes a great Zombies in the Wire weapon and it makes a great food gathering weapon. One shot, down bird, or squirrel or even dog/cat. Shotguns have great purposes, but I don't think it's primary use should be for home defense in the middle of the night. A pistol is faster, it's quicker on target and it's quicker on follow up shots.
Now, if you had a 10" cut down side by side street sweeper, loaded with probably a small bird shot load, something that won't over penertrate, you would have a nice hallway clearing device. However, that is not a legal weapon, under the current laws.
Your model 38 is what, .45GAP? That is a good round, not my ideal choice, but you can get safety slugs that won't over penetrate ( like Glaser ) and be comfortable with your ability to put rounds on target, even in a sleep deprived, stumbling condition.
A shotgun is a great weapon - but I don't believe it's great for stalking from room to room trying to sweep and clear as you go.
I have a great shotgun, but it's not loaded in the house. The gun is in the safe and the ammo is no where near it.
My 1911 on the other hand - you can bet your last dollar that it is cocked, locked and ready to go in about 2 seconds notice when I release it from the biometric safe next to the bed.
If the 106lb. German Sheppard doesn't tear you a new ***, 230 grains of +P will surely do it.
JD