So… kinda a lame argument to whine about but;

I cannot have a normal conversation with my parents about any real concern or important thing I want to talk about- without them becoming defensive. I know its not the way I approach the conversation, because I’ve talked with counselors and therapists who have helped me with this. So the situation– kinda silly but:

My dog (of 16 years) is getting old quickly- this past year we have had to lay ramps over the stairs and take her outside more to avoid accidents in the house. She still acts like a pup, but struggles with her back two legs when it comes to alot of walking or stairs. Also- her hearing sucks, but she still comes to us and replies when we call her. So this past summer, I had to convince my parents to even notice and help me with a sort of ramp to help her climb the stairs. Also I debated getting a new leash- strap thing to help with her back legs, as I realized it was a bigger difficulty than I thought. Anyways I’ve been away at school during the fall and winter, but I’m home during breaks. Throughout the last few weeks I’ve been trying to pay special attention to how much she eats (because shes got skinny/loss some weight). I know these are all normal old-dog things, but  I care too much to watch her struggle or suffer while shes here. I mean, I’ve had her since I was four years old- so its hard for me to ignore her aging. Anyway tonight, I was talking to my parents about having her sleep in the kitchen instead of the computer room, because I didn’t think it was that big of deal. (Let me tell you- the computer room is freezing compared to every other room in the house and she doesn’t have much meat on her bones so) I know this is stupid- just a matter of moving rooms, but my parents push their authority and say that she stays where she is. They don’t like change… they like having order- their house = their rules. Also we don’t keep the house very warm anyways- my parents think a few degrees will save us a ton of money, so they refuse to put it above 66.

I explained my concern, they get upset and act defensive. All I’ve been trying to do is advocate for my dog- this sounds silly but she cant speak for herself and I don’t like to see her struggle. I don’t know, I just care a lot- about too many things – its my weakness. I can’t help myself, its how I am… so what if I just want to make sure that my family notices her more often. So what if I think of things to help comfort my dog. Food, medicine, assisting her in any way- its the loyal thing to do- just like dogs act towards humans. I just know my parents think I am attacking them like I’m saying they don’t do enough, when I’m not. I try to talk to them about things, but it seems as though I just have to do what I can when I’m here. It hurts that I can’t talk to them without it starting an argument, like its an inconvenience to them…

The weakness I have- caring too much I use to think it was a special quality, someone wrote:

“This is not a weakness but a strength of yours. You have a heart that doesn’t want to hurt people. You come off as paranoid but I know you just want to make the right choices.” — Which I know this doesn’t exactly apply to my dog situation, but applies to many other things in my life. This makes me unsure, because I get hurt when I care, and love too much.

Any ideas as to what I should do? – also not sure how long my dog has, she could be on her last year or two.