Seeing her beloved pit bull shot dead by police left Shirley Goode stunned — but police said the unrestrained dog came at officers “like a missile” as they investigated a multiple shooting.

“I can’t get that brutality out of my head,” Goode said about the killing of her late 8-year-old dog, Chyna. “I just don’t see her deserving to have her brains blown out like that. I just don’t see it.”

Boston police were on Fayston Street in Dorchester after shots were fired, leaving four wounded.

Hours later, police returned to recover a firearm when the pit bull charged at an officer, said police spokesman Sgt. John Boyle

“The dog came from between two parked cars like a missile,” Boyle said. “It was unleashed and no one was calling for it or attempting to retrieve it. The officers attempted to retreat, but could not leave the firearm unattended. They also had children behind them.”

Police Commissioner William B. Evans defended the shooting amid what he called a chaotic night.

“My officers were faced with numerous obstacles while securing and processing the crime scene on Fayston Street. In addition to the constant barrage of illegal fireworks in the vicinity, an unleashed, vicious dog charged at my officers, as well as other adults and children in the neighborhood, creating an immediate danger,” Evans said.

“We hate to harm any animal,” Evans stressed, “but my officer was forced to make a split-second decision, thinking clearly, quickly and decisively to use his firearm in a safe and effective manner to prevent injury to the officers and civilians on scene.”

Goode, however, insists that she was trying to call her dog back when the officer shot the dog multiple times.

She said Chyna was a house dog that was accidentally let out.

“I was sitting at the bottom of the stairs screaming for Chyna. … Everybody was looking at me, other people was calling Chyna,” Goode said.

Boyle said the incident is under investigation, but the officer who discharged his weapon remains on duty.

Goode said while her pit bull was protective, she was always very friendly and loved children. She ultimately wants Boston cops to handle her dog’s cremation and to have her name cleared of any wrongdoing.