Dogwood: Distressed, Dormant, Disease or Dead

[lothian]

This past spring I liberated a rather pretty, very healthy Mountain dogwood from the woods behind my house. I placed it prominently in my front yard, full-sun. Before I did the deed, I researched the whatnots of this sort of thing:
- preserve ~18-in root ball
- transport & transplant quickly
- prepare ~36-in dia. hole and backfill with compost
- bed with ~2-3-in of hardwood mulch
- soak with water daily until established

Its leaves wilted that day; all flower and foliage disappeared within the month. The stems retained their green and remained supple. I see no indication of disease or infestation, but I'm no arborist.

I watered the plant intermittently throughout the spring and summer. It stands this way presently, though it is Fall as write.

Some research revealed this phenomenon is not uncommon among transplanted trees. It seems likely the plant went dormant in response to shock. I decided to follow advice and wait till spring with the hope that it buds.

So... does this diagnosis seem plausible; is the prognosis likely? Or should I prepare the mulcher.