It's so frustrating, Jen, and you are sooo right with everything you said! Don't know why so many people are like that! Before I adopted Lily, I agreed with her first humans that I would bring her back in case things don't work with Luna. No way I would have given up the older cat who lived with me for 3 years at that point. But it's true, you often hear stories where it's the other way around. :(
And you also seem to be right that dogs count more to some people than a cat! :( Maybe they think cats are easier to adopt.
Kirsten