I know!! That's why I said this is an *analogy* -- not a literal
equivalent. Of course you're right that the dew claw is on the same side
of the forearm, even the "same position as the human thumb" -- but, as you
know, it *cannot* be said to be in the same *location.* The dew claw also
has its own function, but this is DIFFERENT from the opposable thumb. And,
as I said before, what defines the "opposable" thumb is its FUNCTION.
Unlike humans (bipeds), dogs (quadripeds) use (all) *4 feet* when
running, and, in what I referred to as "extreme activities," the front
feet, and their dew claws, can come into play when serious traction is
needed.
As a further differentiation, here's a brief snippet from Gray's
Anatomy (which, for those who might not know, is still considered a classic
in *human* anatomy) -- while this quote compares the thumb and "great toe"
in humans, you can decide which one (thumb or toe) sounds more relevant to
canines:
"...the great toe, which has to assist in supporting the body ... and
has a very limited degree of mobility, whereas the thumb, which is occupied
in numerous and various movements, is constructed in such a manner as to
permit of great mobility." (p. 212).
Dogs have 4 FEET, not 2 hands and 2 feet. What think you?
Alida
On Wed, 16 Jan 2002 01:14:56 +0000, Myra Savant <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>Everything you said makes perfect sense except that the dew claw that is
>most commonly removed is the dew claw on the front paw, in the same
position
>as the thumb. The rear dew claws still crop up from time to time in
>cavaliers, but they are not very common. It is the appendage that is
>present on the front foot on the same side of the forearm as the radius
bone
>on the human arm....the same position as the thumb. Myra Savant
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