Windshield seal damage – Toyota Highlander 2013

I had a strange thing happen to me.  It looks like a bird landed on my car and decided to dig around in the seal around my windshield and proceeded to pull it out and damage it.  What to me seems like an easy fix (pull the windshield, replace the seal and remount the windshield) has turned into a complete headscratcher.  I have called 8 auto glass repair shops and NON of them just replace a seal.  I would have to replace the entire windshield even though my current one is perfectly fine?!?!?  This makes absolutely no sense to me unless the goal is to force me to purchase a new windshield.  This adventure started with the local Toyota dealer (they don’t repair glass) and now I have tried using my car insurance hoping they have an answer (so far no).

Does anyone have any suggestions that doesn’t involve me paying for a new windshield that I don’t need?

Brand: Toyota
Model: Highlander
Year: 2013