Any chance of fostering the hound out to a friend or rellie --- that way the laddie can keep in touch.
The only doggy people in our family are my parents and they have their hands full with the dog they have already.....
thinking of talking to the RSPCA tomrw, we just want her to go to a good home, she really deserves to
Please, please, please use them only as a last resort... PDSA/Blue Cross are a far better choice. 
Totally agree, use the rspca as a last resort only. I found a kitten that had been run over on the road, and out of all the places i rang they where the worst (horrible) they flat out told me "dont bring it here we dont want it" Wouldnt give them the time of day now. I ended up taking it to the Cat Protection League.
My friend had to rehome one of her dogs a while ago, try the local rescue centres im sure they will make sure your doggy has a lovely home
