Lack of adequate water is the primary problem. Potted azaleas do not tolerate dryness at all. The surface of the soil should feel moist at all times. It is better to water from the top, adding enough each time so that a small quantity runs through the bottom drainage holes. That way, the entire rootball and all of the roots receive water.

Azaleas actually prefer cool temperatures, but they also like lots of light, which is something that is hard for you to provide. If all of the flowers and buds have dropped off, then your azalea will not re-bloom so you may want to consider discarding it. Sorry.

You and I don't really differ. We just made different asumptions about the location of Heather's azalea. I assumed that she lives in a northern climate where it is too cold to keep her potted azalea oudside through the winter. You assumed that she lives in a climate where it is warm enough to keep it outside year round.